A statement from Rep. John Dingell, a Democrat, and former Sen. Bob Dole

from Kansas, a Republican:

“As two proud World War II veterans blessed also to serve this great nation in Congress, we consider our bipartisan work together in helping to create a National World War II Memorial to be among our greatest accomplishments and a true honor to our brothers-in-arms.

“If this Congress truly wishes to recognize the sacrifice and bravery of our World War II veterans and all who’ve come after, it will end this shutdown and re-open our government now. The current shutdown has slowed the rate at which the government can process veterans’ disability claims and, as the VA has stated, it is negatively impacting other services to our nation’s veterans.

“Piecemeal or partial spending plans do not adequately ensure that our veterans – and indeed all Americans – have access to the system of self-government established to serve and protect them.”